Dubai’s Zuma restaurant has sourced the largest truffle to be imported to the UAE weighing in at 349g, with a market value of AED 52,350 (US $14,251).
The ‘Tuberum Magnatum Pico’ species of truffle was flown in from Alba in Northern Italy, it has a one-week shelf life and will be served in the restaurant’s a la carte menu dishes that feature the sought-after ingredient.
Furthermore, diners can request the truffle to be shaved onto their meals at a cost of AED 150 ($41) per gram, with a minimum order of two grams.
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The chefs at the Dubai International Financial Centre branch of the international Japanese restaurant chain told Hotelier it had been “the worst season for truffles in decades”.
“Prices are astronomically high for the huge demand and the rainless summer indicates that very few truffles will be found this season,” they said.
There are more than 1000 species of truffle or ‘tubers’ that grow naturally in the soil . Of those about 16 species are edible and the fresh white truffle from Italy is considered the most valued. For around 95% of truffles found, the weight varies from 10 grams to maximum 100 grams.
White truffle cannot be harvested or farmed and only grow in a selected areas of Italy — in the Piedmont region —and in some parts of Tuscany.
“The Zuma team asked the supplier to bring a ‘mega’ truffle, which was a tall order as there were no signs of any truffles around, and those that were around were very small, not of great quality and most of all expensive,” said a Zuma spokesperson.
“Last week I got a call from my source that a truffle of 370 grams was found. Following a quick pictures exchange with the hunter — and after cleaning away the dirt and carefully brushing [the truffle] — it became 349. We [had it delivered via] special cargo to Dubai and now it is here.”
The truffle was supplied by UAE-based Italtouch Trading.
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May 1, 2013 , Iran
hi, i've talked to a few truffle hunters, they have about 200 kilos of white truffle, can you introduce me some buyers so that i can export truffles to your country? thanks. ata
Oct 23, 2012 , United Arab Emirates
Thank you chef Refai and the Zuma team for mention Italtouch.com as your truffles suppliers! This is really a great White truffle!. Massimo Vidoni